Music Matters: Derogatory competes in Wild Wing Cafe's Last Band Standing Competition

It’s not every day that a group of engineers from Gulfstream decide to form a band, but that’s just what Derogatory’s lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Mike Sibilio, bassist and vocalist Vince Blumberg, drummer Jeff Wiley, and lead guitarist Kevin Schaefer started back in 2007.

After a hard day’s work, the guys were looking for a way to have a little fun after hours and discovered they had similar tastes in music. Despite having full-time jobs, they felt compelled to play music together.

“We have all been playing since our teens. It’s just something you wind up doing as part of your routine in life,” Schaefer said.

The band plays covers of popular rock and alternative songs from the ’90s as well as current rock.

Although they mostly play covers, “we have kicked around some ideas and actually play some freeform type jams at all our shows,” Schaefer said.

They enjoy being a part of Savannah’s music scene because “if you walk around downtown at night, you don’t have to go far to hear some live music … everything from jazz, funk, blues, rock to country and more,” Schaefer said.

“To keep improving as musicians and as a band, the group “keeps on learning more songs and refining our set,” Schaefer said.

Their goal? To deliver a-high energy show with music that will leave the audience saying: “I remember that one when I was in high school.”

On Nov. 10, the guys are participating in Wild Wing Café’s “The Last Band Standing” competition versus The Looters.

Schaefer and the rest of the band aim to keep their cool. His final words of wisdom? What else but great lyrics from Neil Young? “Keep on rockin’ in the free world!”